Solar panel upgrade? 120w to 400w.... Feasible?

[Romolo]

Hey peeps.

Getting some work done on my campervan.
Getting solar panel removed and crap wood they mounted it on... Crazy.

Current have what I calculate as a 120watt single panel. And I have a 20 amp solar charger.

Currently 1x 110mah battery... Upgrading to 2x 110mha.

So..... Considering upgrading and swapping panels.

Would like to get up to 400watts or there abouts. Happy to upgrade solar to charger wires if so..

Any recommendations or comments... New to campervans you see. Very handy. Also getting someone in to help.

Many thanks in advance.

R

 

[pappajohn]

The more the better, fit as much as the van roof and your pocket will allow.

 

[Jev88]

Ecoworthy have been around years now and offer good quality at good price.

 

[mitzimad]

you will have to upgrade the controller so best to get one that will charge the van battery as well

 

[Mixyblob]

I can thoroughly recommend Bimble

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[Stealaway]

Are you ok for payload and that many panels will be heavy especially mounted on the roof

 

[busbuddy]

Why 400 watts ?
What are you hoping to power

 

[Raul]

Go for commercial 60 cell 30v + panels, much better than small panels.

 

[Raul]

Why 400 watts ?
What are you hoping to power

400w is not allot, I got 820w on the van: 590w fixed on the roof and 230w mobile stored in the back. They come out when pitched.

 

[busbuddy]

400w seems a lot with only 2x110 batteries though, I keep 2x110s full with a 160w in the uk

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[Raul]

400w seems a lot with only 2x110 batteries though, I keep 2x110s full with a 160w in the uk

It isn’t, the 2x110ah batts can take 630w solar at full chat with a C/5 rate. When panels are flat, will never be at full chat, except when the sun is right above in midd summer, for 2-3hrs per day max. You design for the week days, not the sunny.

The fact you can keep yours full with a 160w, means you use very little. I can keep a full bucket of water with the tap closed if I don’t use any out the bucket. A 160w can yield 450-500wh daily in midd summer, and 60-80wh in winter. It all depends on individual needs. Myself with a 160w panel will only cover the base load without turning anything on.